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The Orioles' system had dropped after a wave of promotions, including Matt Wieters and a passel of starting pitching prospects who have taken a few years to boost the big-league rotation. The 2012 season saw a big uptick in the value of what they had left in the minors --- Dylan Bundy emerged as the minors' best pitching prospect in 2012, while their first pick from last year's draft, Kevin Gausman, was one of the hottest names in Florida instructional league in September.

Several lower-round picks from 2012 also impressed in their pro debuts. They'd rank higher had Manny Machadonot lost his rookie eligibility in September, although it's a testament to how good he is that he could hold his own in the majors while learning a new position. Look for him to break out offensively in the next two seasons.

2013 impact

Bundy could help the team in long relief or in the rotation, depending on their long-term plan for him, which I hope involves letting him throw his wipeout cutter. LJ Hoes could surface in a bench role as a pinch hitter and reserve corner outfielder.

Sleeper

Nineteenth-rounder Josh Hader, a prep lefty out of a Maryland high school, added about 5 mph after signing, sitting 91-92 and touching 94 in two-inning stints in short-season ball, with a clean delivery from a low three-quarters slot and the ability to get to the breaking ball and changeup. Ninth-rounder Brady Wager, drafted out of Grand Canyon University, has a power sinker at 92-94 with a plus slider at 85-87 and could move very quickly as a reliever.

I'm really not a Peter Angelos basher. Though I know that Joe Jordan headed to Philly pretty quick. It really makes me wonder how much of Jordan's drafting was a reflection on the budget he worked with. Those 2008 and 2009 classes look terrible.

As for 2011, well I think we got lucky landing Dylan Bundy. The rest of that class we wait and see what we got. Much like 2012. Too early to pass judgement though early signs are encouraging.